Southeast Field Trip Guide 2023 Edition

SOUTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE

2023 EDITION

FROM FLORIDA TO NORTH CAROLINA:

Hundreds of great ideas for school trips!

ADVICE ON…

Maximizing the Educational Value of Field Trips

FIELD TRIPS START HERE. Calling all Educators!

Here’s a trip your kids will never forget. Our student-friendly, STEAM-based curriculum blends the best of football history with interactive technology. Add in a little running, passing and throwing on our 45-yard playing field, and you have the perfect field trip.

This new Southeast Field Trip Guide is designed for middle school through high school teachers and student travel planners. Front-of-book sections provide inspiration and lend trip planning advice with destination ideas presented in a state-by-state format. Enjoy!

West Virginia Kentucky North Carolina

Photo courtesy of abstractor/Shutterstock.com

South Carolina Tennessee Georgia Arkansas Alabama Mississippi Florida Louisiana

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The Value of History Lessons

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t was back in 1905 that Spanish-born American philosopher George Santayana wrote in his multi-volume book The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Those 11 words resonate even more so today as we witness history repeating itself in ways we never thought possible.

Which brings us to the focus of this Southeast Field Trip Guide: The civil rights movement in the United States. While its origins began during the Reconstruction era of the late 19th century, it wasn’t until the 1940s that its message of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience came to fruition, eventually establishing changes in federal civil rights laws.

And it was in the Southeast where some of the most powerful demonstrations and monumental events took place. From Alabama’s Edmund Pettus Bridge, which represents a pivotal point in voting rights, and the Rosa Parks Museum to the site of Dr. Martin Luther King’s most powerful speech in Tennessee, this part of the country is rich with history lessons so important to understanding our past—and our future.

We invite you to travel along with us as we explore stateby-state some of the most significant places for you and your students to visit to get a better understanding of this powerful time in U.S. history.

Lisa Shames, Managing Editor

Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Chief Editor – Jason Paha jason@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Lisa Shames lisas@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writers – Heather Dale, Courtney Lind, McCartney Walsh and Kathy Nolan Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede

We are witnessing history repeating itself in ways we never thought possible.

ON THE COVER: National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, Georgia Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail 4

2023 SOUTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE

lisa@ptmgroups.com

Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information is published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

CONTENTS FEATURES

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Making History Fun

Tips on how to make the most of your next field trip

By Kathy Nolan

Maximizing the Educationl Value of Field Trips

Here’s how to make the most of the field trip experience before, during and after the big day

By Courtney Lind

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CONTENTS

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FIELD TRIPS 16 Georgia 22 Louisiana 28 Tennessee 32 North Carolina 34 Florida 36 Kentucky 38 Arkansas 40 Alabama 42 West Virginia 44 South Carolina 46 Mississippi

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CONTENTS

18 SITE INSPECTIONS

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18 College Football Hall of Fame 24 New Orleans

SHOWCASE 30 Pigeon Forge

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Making History Fun Tips on how to make the most of your next field trip

Photo courtesy of mandritoiu/Shutterstock.com

By Kathy Nolan

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et’s face it. The best way to educate kids on a field trip is to trick them into having fun by engaging and entertaining them. The overstimulated, younger generation responds positively to integrating technology, mobile video, gaming and shared social experiences. Instead of forcing students to put their devices away, encourage them to document their field trip experiences with scavenger hunts, mobile photo contests, and physical competitions and demonstrations.

America’s national parks offer excellent value along with stunning vistas, majestic mountains, ancient canyons, natural water sources, and fascinating wildlife. Students can hike, climb, kayak and explore the unrivaled natural splendor of this beautiful country. For your next field trip, dig a little deeper. Carla Beasley, Superintendent of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia, suggests teaching history by playing games that the indigenous people created thousands of years ago or hiking up to the ancient mound to enter the underground Earth Lodge.

“Walking through the narrow entrance tunnel of the Earth Lodge is like stepping back in time to see the original 1,000-year-old clay floor and imagining what it felt like to sit in one of the ceremonial carved seats, making important decisions for the community,” says Beasley. “Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is a memorial to more than 12,000 years of continuous human habitation by multiple Indigenous cultures and peoples. Am I standing in the same spot that someone stood 2,000 years ago? What would I be having for dinner tonight if I lived here 8,000 years ago?”

During the 1930s concerned Macon citizens reached out to the Smithsonian in the hopes of learning more about Ocmulgee Mounds and to preserve the site for future generations. Resources from the New Deal program brought hundreds of men and women to the site and under the supervision of archeologist Dr. Arthur R. Kelly, the expedition

Photo by Christopher Smith for the Greater Macon Chamber

TAKE A HIKE AND VISIT A NATIONAL PARK

Ansley Booker and Anne Starley from Leadership Macon. The class raised funds to support educational STEM projects at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon.

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HOST A MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST IN AN ART MUSEUM History can also be disguised as art. Many students have trouble visualizing historical events. When classes see depictions of events on canvas or view artisan crafts utilized by earlier civilizations, the concepts may be easier to grasp.

It may even inspire those who have a creative side. Engage the class by offering cool prizes and recognition for the best images and ask for a caption explaining the vision.

In addition, seeing the various artistic styles may teach teenagers to be more tolerant of different perspectives.

Photo courtesy of jackf/Shutterstock.com

recovered 2.5 million artifacts. By 1936, enough money was raised to purchase the ancestral Creek lands for federal protection, creating what is now Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, one of the top sites in America currently being considered as the country’s next national park. A fascinating onsite museum houses ancient artifacts, and offers rangerled tours exploring the architectural dig sites with seasonal lantern-light tours that walk visitors on sacred grounds.

PLAN A TEAM SCAVENGER HUNT IN A HISTORY MUSEUM Don’t ignore the obvious. Try to reimagine the classic museum experience by adding a team-building component.

A historical museum is the best way to expose students to as much information as possible in one day. Some museums specialize in a specific topic or time period, while others cover the entire human experience, from pre-history to present day. Set a time limit and develop a list of interesting clues in advance. Each team can designate a photographer to document the featured “found” artifacts. Offer themed rewards and recognition to the winning team.

CREATE AN IMPROV REENACTMENT AT A HISTORICAL SITE Walking on the hallowed grounds of a great battle or through the house of a heroic individual can make an 10

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Rather than force students to put away their cellphones, create educational and fun photo activities instead.

experience more immersive. The employees at historical sites are unmatched experts on the subject, which makes the tours more informative and allows students to fully appreciate the site’s importance. Enlist the staff to help students create an improv scene from the past and create a mobile video, engaging all students as actors and extras. You may be able to check the site’s calendar to schedule your trip during a professional reenactment as well.

Most Renaissance fairs are arranged to represent an imaginary village in England during the reign of Elizabeth I, as this period has been generally considered to correspond to the flowering of the English Renaissance. In a modern Renaissance festival, there are stages or performance areas set up for scheduled shows like Shakespeare plays, jousting, dancers, magicians, jugglers and musicians. Renaissance fairs typically feature a wide variety of foods inspired by both Medieval cuisine, such as turkey legs, steak on a stick and bread bowls.

In addition to the staged performances, a major attraction of Renaissance fairs are the crowds of actors who play historical figures and roam the fair, interacting with visitors. This field trip might be hard to find compared to other historical attractions, but a renaissance festival drops your class into another time period in a way that few other attractions can replicate.

Embrace technology and use it to document history. So now, when you tell your class to take it outside, that can be a positive suggestion.

Photo courtesy of kokoulin/Shutterstock.com

GRAB A TURKEY LEG AT A LOCAL RENAISSANCE FAIR

While definitely fun, Renaissance fairs also offer plenty of educational history lessons, ranging from Medieval-inspired cuisine to art of the jousting.

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Maximizing the Educational Value of Field Trips Here’s how to make the most of the field trip experience before, during and after the big day

Photo courtesy of C5Media/Shutterstock.com

By Courtney Lind

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ducators, parents and students alike can agree: Field trips present invaluable opportunities for students to learn beyond the confines of the classroom. Putting the concepts of physics into practice at a science museum, viewing the events of history through reenactments at some of our country’s famous historical sites, or experiencing the works of the world’s most famous artists at incredible museums… the list goes on, and the possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to field trips.

The success of a field trip largely depends on how well it is planned and integrated into the curriculum. To ensure that field trips are not just fun outings (important as that may be) but also rich educational experiences, we’ve put together some tips to help teachers prepare effectively for field trips and make the most out of the experience once students are back in the classroom.

A little planning can go a long way to making sure that the field trip isn’t a standalone day. We want the learning and experiences to stick with students for years to come.

Do Your Research: Before the trip, provide students with relevant background information about the destination, historical context or scientific concepts. This is your chance to get them excited about their field trip and the time they’ll spend outside the classroom. The more students know about their destination in advance, the more you can leverage that anticipation and turn it into active participation.

Set Clear Learning Objectives: Determine specific learning objectives aligned with the curriculum. What do you want students to take away from the field trip? What concepts have they covered in the classroom that they may encounter while out in the field? Are there any post-field trip activities where you may want to call back to their field trip experience? Clearly outline the knowledge and skills students will ideally gain from the experience and bring this with you on the trip to refer to as needed.

Pre-Trip Activities: Get students excited for their upcoming trip with pretrip activities. These are designed to pique their interest and activate prior knowledge, while giving a sneak peek into what they can expect during their trip. This can include discussions, worksheets or short assignments related to the upcoming excursion. Be sure to check with your host or venue to see if they offer any pre-trip materials.

Safety and Logistics: Make time to go through important expectations

Photo courtesy of PeopleImages-Yuri+A/Shutterstock.com

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A FIELD TRIP

The best field trips start in the classroom with research, goal-setting and pre-trip activities.

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and safety procedures with your students before the day of the trip and remind them again on the day of departure. Knowing critical logistics such as departure times, rules and emergency protocols will put everyone at ease. A well-informed group is more likely to remain focused and engaged throughout the trip.

During the field trip itself, teachers play a crucial role in guiding students’ learning and fostering a positive experience. Whether you’re planning a selfguided trip or taking part in a more programmed experience, these tips will keep everyone on track.

Be an Engaging Facilitator: Actively participate in the trip, engaging students in discussions, asking thought-provoking questions and encouraging them to make connections with their prior knowledge. Call on your students’ strengths and guide them to understand links to what they’ve seen in the classroom.

Hands-On Learning: Encourage students to interact directly with exhibits, artifacts and the environment. You’re on a field trip, after all. This engaging style of learning promotes and reinforces key concepts that can then be taken back to the classroom. Students who fully engage their senses are more likely to retain what they’ve learned on the field trip — a win for everyone.

Take Notes and Pictures: Have students take notes or pictures during the trip. These activities can help students stay focused and will serve as useful references when discussing the experience back in the classroom. Have them bring along a favorite notebook or even incorporate a special ‘field trip journal making’ into your pre-trip activities.

Adapt to Unexpected Teachable Moments: Be flexible to seize unexpected teachable moments that may arise during the trip. It’s hard to control every variable when you’re out of the classroom in a new environment, and that’s okay. These spontaneous learning opportunities can be some of the most memorable and impactful for young minds.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FIELD TRIP AFTERWARDS The learning doesn’t end when the buses pull away. After all the hard work you’ve put into planning a field trip, you want to ensure the key concepts and takeaways from the day make their way back to the classroom (along with all the fun and memories).

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Photo courtesy of stockbroker/Shutterstock.com

TIPS WHEN ON YOUR FIELD TRIP

Group Discussions: After the trip, hold group discussions to encourage students to share their experiences, insights and observations. As we’ve noted before, many field trip venues offer free materials to teachers to help guide discussions based on what students have experienced. Be sure to check if this is available or design your own discussion question to align with your desired learning outcomes.

Assign Reflection Tasks: Reflective writing tasks or projects encourage students to articulate what they learned, how the experience impacted them and how it connects to their studies. This is a great complement to group discussions as it allows everyone to reflect on the field trip in their own way. If you had students utilize notebooks during the field trip, this could be a perfect time to pull those out and continue writing.

Connect With Classroom Learning: Repetition can be a key to success, so try to integrate the field trip experience into subsequent lessons. Draw connections between the trip and the curriculum, reinforcing the new knowledge gained during the outing. Have students recall what they learned or did during the field trip, and how they have seen this at play in the classroom, or vice versa.

Evaluate Learning Outcomes: Assess students’ understanding of the trip’s objectives and the effectiveness of the experience. What reactions did you pick up from students before, during and after the field trip? Were students engaged and able to draw connections between classroom and field trip learning? This evaluation can inform future field trips and educational strategies. Depending on the age group, you can even incorporate feedback into the reflective exercises so that students can provide their thoughts and feelings on the experience.

Field trips can be powerful educational tools when properly planned and thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum. By setting clear objectives, preparing students beforehand, actively participating during the trip and following up with appropriate post-trip activities, teachers can ensure that these experiences leave a lasting impact on their students.

Encourage and facilitate questions during your field trip, allowing enough time for thoughtful answers and thorough discussions.

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GEORGIA Heart of Civil Rights Movement

G

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

eorgia is positioned at the epicenter of one of the most pivotal chapters in American history. From Atlanta to Albany, Macon to Savannah, there is history around every turn in locations that bore witness to the courage and resilience of civil rights activists.

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Transport students to the heart of America’s civil rights movement in Atlanta.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta

a deep understanding of the pivotal events and courageous individuals who have shaped the course of these movements. The center’s education program provides teachers with the tools needed to promote critical thinking about civil rights history.

TUBMAN MUSEUM

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Macon’s Tubman Museum is the largest museum dedicated to African American art, history and culture in the Southeast. Named for extraordinary abolitionist Harriet Tubman, this museum showcases the resilience, creativity and contributions of African Americans to various aspects of society, including art, music, science and social justice. From the striking displays of contemporary artworks to the thought-provoking exhibitions on African American history, every corner of the Tubman Museum provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the narratives that shape our nation. Student groups can enjoy an

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS Step into this iconic Atlanta institution and you are immediately immersed in the rich history and ongoing struggle for civil and human rights. From engaging exhibits on the American civil rights movement and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to the stories from the struggle for human rights around the world today, the center fosters

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Transport students to the heart of America’s civil rights movement in Atlanta. The park encompasses several key sites, including the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where you can gain a deeper understanding of the upbringing that shaped his remarkable journey.

Walk through historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached powerful sermons advocating for justice and equality. The Visitor Center offers a wealth of exhibits and multimedia presentations that chronicle the life and legacy of this visionary leader. The park also features the final resting place of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Students can engage in a self-guided tour or take part in one of the various educational programs offered on site.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

GEORGIA

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

interactive guided tour and educators can add on a workshop or activity.

RALPH MARK GILBERT CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM Named after the esteemed civil rights leader, Reverend Ralph Mark Gilbert, this museum in Savannah brings visitors on a journey into the struggle for civil rights in Georgia and beyond. The museum’s exhibits vividly portray the challenges faced by African Americans, showcasing significant events, key figures and grassroots activism that shaped the movement.

Through powerful narratives, artifacts and multimedia displays, students gain a deep understanding of the sacrifices, triumphs, and ongoing struggles that define the civil rights movement. Supplemental materials are available to educators to provide thought-provoking questions and meaningful discussions.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

Celebrating

College Football

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Photo courtesy of the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

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ocated in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is a captivating celebration of the rich history and traditions of college football. But the institution is much more than a museum. It is the true mecca of the sport that provides a journey through the heart and soul of the game and highlights the game’s greatest.

The Hall of Fame offers an extraordinary experience for visitors of all ages, housing something for the most passionate football fan and those who are curious about the sport. The Hall’s interactive exhibits make it the ultimate destination, including the Playing Field and Chickfil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone, an indoor football field where guests are invited to try their luck at kicking a field goal, test their passing skills and get in on the action. Featuring the sights and sounds of the game, it’s an immersive adventure that will make you feel as though you stepped on the field with your favorite team.

College football is chock-full of renowned traditions, such as Howard’s Rock at Clemson, Ralphie’s Run in Colorado, Dotting the “I” at Ohio State or the Sooner Schooner in Oklahoma. The Hall of Fame beautifully captures this essence with its “Touch of Traditions” wall. The massive mural pays tribute to the unique customs of college football teams, from “War Eagle” in Auburn to the famous “Hail to the Victors” in Michigan and

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame provides a journey through the heart and soul of the game.

Photo Credits Photo courtesy of the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

allows spectators to delve into the passion and camaraderie that defines college football.

One of the Hall’s hallmarks is the extensive collection of college football memorabilia. The Helmet Wall features over 775 helmets that represent the active college football teams from every level. The expansive exhibit is just the beginning. Inside the Hall is a treasure trove of history, complete with jerseys, trophies and personal items from legendary players and coaches that bring visitors face-to-face with the history-makers of the game.

For educators and students, the Hall of Fame is an incredibly invaluable resource, covering various aspects of college football, ranging from its history to the science and technology behind it. Exhibits dive into the mathematics of football and the physics of a perfect spiral pass. Even the geography of college football and “playbooks” are offered to help students connect with exhibits through an educational lens, creating an engaging way to impart knowledge and inspire young minds.

While most people will acknowledge the athleticism required to play football, the sport is also a testament to leadership and teamwork, and the Hall of Fame emphasizes these values, making it a place where young visitors can learn about the sport and the life lessons it can instill as well. Whether it’s highlighting the meticulous planning, preparation, practices or teamwork that goes into making game day a success, the Hall provides a valuable resource to showcase just how influential the sport can be on its players and fans alike.

Outside of the game itself, the Hall of Fame offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the full atmosphere of a game day, using

Photo Credits

SITE INSPECTION

Interactive exhibits are an integral feature of the Hall of Fame.

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Photo courtesy of the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

The Indoor Playing Field and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone allow participants to test their game skills.

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interactive exhibits to join the Home Depot College GameDay Desk, virtually getting their face painted to show their support for their favorite team or sing along to their favorite team’s fight song. Whether it’s on the field or happening around the stadium, the Hall of Fame showcases every aspect of college football.

Easily accessible for visitors from all over the Southeast, the Hall of Fame is open six days a week and offers an array of resources and programs to enhance the educational value of your visit. Guided tours, pre-visit lesson plans, and other offerings are available and can be tailored to help make your trip as enriching as possible.

Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the world of college football, understand the values it represents, and have an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit to the College Football Hall of Fame today and create lasting memories with your group.

For more information, visit our website at www.cfbhall.com, or call us at (404) 880-4800.

To book a field trip to the College Football Hall of Fame, please contact the Group Sales department at groups@cfbhall.com or call them directly at (404) 880-4845.

CONTACT Matt Pharazyn www.cfbhall.com mpharazyn@cfbhall.com groups@cfbhall.com

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LOUISIANA Inspiring

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ew Orleans may be better known these days for its festive atmosphere, delicious food and vibrant music scene, but it—and really many other places in Louisiana— played a very prominent role in the battle for civil rights in this country. Louisiana is where Baptist minister T.J. Jemison led the nation’s first bus boycott against segregation in Baton Rouge.

In Bogalusa, students began a 106-mile march to raise awareness of violence against African Americans nationwide. And it’s also where one brave little girl in New Orleans inspired a nation to fight against public school integration.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Civil Rights History

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One of New Orleans’ most historic churches, New Zion Baptist Church was the site of many important meetings of the Civil Rights Movement.

Baton Rouge State Capitol

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

systems in the South and then bigger issues nationwide, was the focal point of the group’s nonviolent actions. On the outside of the church, a plaque describes the work that Dr. King and the other SCLC members undertook inside.

TREMÉ NEIGHBORHOOD As far back as its founding in the 18th century, Tremé, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, has held major significance in the African American community. It was a place where free persons of color, and eventually African slaves able to obtain their freedom, could acquire and own property, a rarity during this time. Tremé is America’s oldest African American neighborhood and offers plenty of places to

William Frantz Elementary School

WILLIAM FRANTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

New Zion Baptist Church

It was back in 1960 when 6-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to attend a formerly all-White school, William Frantz Elementary School. To commemorate the epic moment in history and the bravery of the very young Ruby who was met with an angry crowd of segregationists, there’s a statue of her in the school’s courtyard.

Additionally, a classroom has been restored to the way it looked when she attended.

One of New Orleans’ most historic churches, New Zion Baptist Church was the site of many important meetings of the Civil Rights Movement.

It was here in 1957 that a group of Baptist pastors and activists met and formed the Southern Leadership Conference, which would become the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Their first president was a 28-year-old preacher named Martin Luther King Jr. Segregation of bus

Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans

explore. At the New Orleans African American Museum, housed in the beautiful Tremé Villa, see a collection of exquisite African beadwork, costumes, masks and divination objects. St. Augustine Church, the oldest African American Catholic parish in the country, is in Tremé too.

DOOKY CHASE’S RESTAURANT

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

NEW ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

LOUISIANA

Also in Tremé is Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which opened in 1941. This family-owned James Beard Award-winning restaurant is renowned for its authentic Creole cuisine as well as its role in the civil rights movement. Before the United States Supreme Court reversed its 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant had become a hot spot for discussing issues of civil and economic rights in the African American community. At the time, it was illegal for White and Black people to sit together. But Leah Chase opened the doors to her restaurant and invited activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., into the upstairs dining room.

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NEW ORLEANS Let the Good

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f all the cities in the world, it’s hard to find one that has more treasured nicknames than New Orleans. The Big Easy, Crescent City, N’Awlins, Hollywood South and the Birthplace of Jazz have all been used one time or another to describe Louisiana’s most populous city. World renowned for its Creole cuisine, French and Spanish architecture, signature music and, yes, its annual Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans is many things to many people. But while its vibrant nightlife scene definitely precedes it, New Orleans has plenty to offer young visitors too.

Times Roll

Audubon Aquarium 24

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Photo courtesy of NewOrleans.com

WHAT’S NEW Liberation Pavilion at the National WWII Museum — Students will enter an immersive journey exploring the closing months of the war and postwar years, concluding with an explanation of links to our lives today. The threestory pavilion houses two floors of exhibit space featuring first-person accounts, iconic imagery, powerful artifacts and immersive environments.

Expressions of America — First-of-its-kind nighttime sound and light experience celebrating the power of individual Americans to impact the world around them. Experience the written words, songs, and personal reflections of the everyday people who served our country during World War II. Vue Orleans — Rise above NOLA at the city’s only 360° observatory, offering stunning views of the mighty Mississippi in every direction.

Interactive exhibits immerse students in the stories that make the city what it is today.

SITE INSPECTION

Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium — The reimagined, expanded and now combined Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium reopened in June 2023. The Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean to the Amazon Rainforest and includes more than 3,600 animals. The Insectarium features state-of-theart, interactive installations that challenge the imagination.

Have Your Own Parade — Let the good times roll in New Orleans by having your own secondline parade. Celebrate the city’s culture with a brass band and participants dancing in the street with parasols and handkerchiefs in hand.

Ask a New Orleans expert to show you the way.

Riverfront Performance Space — Perform on board the Riverboat City of New Orleans, or perform dockside next to the Steamboat Natchez, the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. Even learn from New Orleans musicians at Grayline New Orleans’ music clinic.

The National WWII Museum — This awardwinning attraction brings American WWII history to life. Outdoor performance opportunities are available for 50 people max..

Washington Artillery Park — Set against the iconic Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, visiting musical and performance groups can share their talent. An outdoor venue for an unlimited number of people.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Todd/NewOrleans.com

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Mardi Gras World 2023 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE

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Photo courtesy of Justen Williams, 343 Media

ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS Tour of Mardi Gras World — Get the feeling of Mardi Gras year-round, at the place where more than 80% of the floats that journey down New Orleans’ streets during Carnival season are designed and built. Begin your Mardi Gras World tour with an overview of the history of Mardi Gras before continuing through the float den, where artists work year-round to build spectacular floats and props.

Louisiana State Museum — Collections and educational programs that stimulate appreciation of our state’s rich and diverse history and culture.

The French Quarter properties include the Cabildo, Presbytere, New Orleans Jazz Museum at the U.S. Mint, Madame John’s Legacy and 1850 House.

Historic New Orleans Collection — A free museum, research center and publisher, the Historic New Orleans Collection is dedicated to the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region of the U.S. Exhibits change throughout seasons, but expect permanent exhibits such as French Quarter Life, French Quarter Galleries and Louisiana History Galleries.

In addition, it offers a robust programming schedule and an extensive array of educational resources for teachers and students of all levels.

CONTACT Lisa Ochomogo Tourism Sales Account Executive NewOrleans.com/groups/student-groups LOchomogo@NewOrleans.com The National World War II Museum 26

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EXPERIENCE OUR VIBRANT CULTURE

NewOrleans.com

For more than 300 years, New Orleans has been inspiring stories. Our Spanish, French, African and Caribbean influences create a cultural gumbo of distinctive architecture, cool jazz and celebrated cuisine that only New Orleans knows how to dish out. From award-winning attractions to immersive experiences, this timeless city offers something amazing around every cobblestone corner. Start creating your New Orleans story today!

Contact Lisa Ochomogo, Tourism Sales Account Executive at Lochomogo@neworleans.com

TENNESSEE

Offering Unique Ways to Explore Civil Rights 28

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Photo courtesy National Museum of African American Music/Ese Morrison

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ennessee boasts a rich tapestry of contributions to the civil rights movement that have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. From pivotal speeches to transformative events, the state played a significant role in shaping the fight for equality.

Today, Tennessee’s historical sites and museums stand as powerful reminders of this struggle, offering educators and students the opportunity to engage with the past through thoughtprovoking field trips that center around civil rights.

Explore some of the most compelling destinations for students eager to gain a deeper understanding of the movement and its enduring impact.

Experience an unforgettable educational journey at Memphis’ Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

National Museum of African American Music

TENNESSEE

Engaging with the Memphis site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath offers a profound exploration of America’s civil rights movement. Through powerful exhibits, multimedia presentations and preserved historical spaces, students will be transported to pivotal moments in history, fostering a deep comprehension of the struggles, triumphs and sacrifices of those who fought for equality. A visit to this museum encourages critical thinking and empathy, igniting discussions on social justice, human rights and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

Griggs Hall at American Baptist College

GRIGGS HALL AT AMERICAN BAPTIST COLLEGE Griggs Hall, the first building constructed on the campus of American Baptist College, was a seminary for Black students. During the 1960s, Griggs Hall was the home of several seminary students who organized and led sit-ins, freedom rides and other civil rights movements in Nashville, the South and the nation. Griggs Hall was restored in 2015 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available by appointment.

MASON TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis offers a unique opportunity to step into the hallowed halls where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Students have the opportunity to gain insight into Dr. King’s vision for social change and justice. Through guided

STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Photo by The Traveling Child

Experience an unforgettable educational journey at Memphis’ Stax Museum of American Soul Music with a captivating exploration of the cultural and musical heritage that shaped the soul music genre. Students will be immersed in the rich history of iconic artists, including Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes, through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. By experiencing the evolution of soul music and its impact on American culture, students gain a profound appreciation for the power of artistic expression and its role in shaping society.

Photo by Andrea Zucker

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM AT THE LORRAINE MOTEL

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel

tours, multimedia presentations and discussions, students will engage with the legacy of the civil rights movement and its ongoing relevance.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC At this Nashville museum, students explore the profound influence of African American musicians on shaping American musical genres.

Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays and immersive experiences, students discover the vibrant history and cultural significance of jazz, gospel, blues, hip-hop and more. This museum celebrates the contributions of artists like Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin and Tupac Shakur, and sparks discussions on cultural diversity, creativity, and the interconnectedness of music and social change.

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SHOWCASE

The Wonders of Pigeon Forge

From thrilling attractions and unique theaters to an abundance of outdoor activities, this charming Tennessee town is filled with fun activities

Photos courtesy Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

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t all starts with location. Pigeon Forge is tucked in at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Beautiful scenery is the perfect backdrop for any field trip, and the Smokies provide amazing views for every season.

The city of Pigeon Forge is filled with attractions, theaters, restaurants and more that offer a variety of ways to have fun and connect with each other.

Many attractions offer curriculums, including topics such as physics, zoology, geography and history, that can be incorporated into a classroom setting prior to or after your visit.

Of course, you can always explore one of America’s largest classrooms – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – aided by lesson plans available at www.nps.gov/teachers.

Dollywood Theme Park features more than 50 rides and attractions, world-class entertainment, and many fabulous festivals.

You can study history, physics, zoology and geography among other subjects as you

The Pigeon Forge Parkway, a five mile strip, is the focal point of Pigeon Forge.

About the only thing kids can’t do here is get bored.

Pigeon Forge is located just outside the nation’s most-visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

explore the park. Just a hop, skip and jump away, The Island in Pigeon Forge is a walkable destination that offers over 70 shops, restaurants, rides and experiences. Pigeon Forge also features a variety of other attractions and activities, including The Titanic Museum Attraction, Pink Jeep Tours, water parks, mountain coasters, a variety of theaters and shows, miniature golf, indoor snow tubing and more.

A wide variety of theaters offer performance opportunities for bands, show choirs, dance and choral groups, as well as backstage and educational tours. Take a workshop on singing, comedy, dancing and more at Country Tonite Theatre, or gather in a dedicated meeting space at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. For a unique and up-close look at history, head to Alcatraz East Crime Museum and Titanic Museum Attraction or get a hands-on educational experience at WonderWorks.

Pigeon Forge also offers professional planning assistance to ensure the positive outcome that you desire. To help answer any questions you may have, contact their sales team at 1-800-285-7557 or visit PigeonForgeTours.com.

For more information about planning your next field trip to Pigeon Forge, visit their website and start creating a memorable experience for the entire class.

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NORTH CAROLINA A Pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement

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Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

n the Civil Rights Movement, North Carolina is seen as the motherland of pivotal precedents set due to its long list of “firsts” that took place here. From the first higher education building for African American women, to a sit-in that would start a revolution across America, North Carolina is a state rich in history, and invites travelers to walk the path that was carved by those before them.

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Travelers can visit this influential building and walk in the footsteps that paved history forever.

The February One Monument on the N.C. A&T University campus

NORTH CAROLINA

In Greensboro on Feb. 1, 1960, four African American college students—Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond—planned a peaceful protest at the lunch counter of F.W. Woolworth’s five-anddime, where it was policy to refuse service to anyone who was not White. The sit-in quickly turned into a 300-student protest at Woolworth’s and neighboring businesses. The movement rapidly caught the media’s attention and sparked college students throughout the North and South to plan their own sit-in protests. The old Woolworth’s building has been turned into the International Civil Rights Center and Museum and welcomes everyone to sit at the counter and learn about the groundbreaking protest. Additionally, on the N.C. A&T University campus, The February One Monument honors the four brave alumni.

Shaw University and Estey Hall

SHAW UNIVERSITY AND ESTEY HALL

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Located in the state’s capital, Raleigh, Shaw University was the first institution in the South providing African Americans a higher education.

The campus itself is steeped in history and lit the flame that illuminated many pathways for generations of civil rights activists to come. At the university on East South Street, Estey Hall was the first building in the United States that was designed with the purpose of providing a higher education for African American women.

The building was erected in 1874 with its initial purpose being to house African American women attending the university. The building is the birthplace of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee created in 1960 by Ella Baker, civil and human rights activist. Travelers can visit this influential building and walk in the footsteps that paved history forever.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

F.W. WOOLWORTH’S BUILDING; INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER AND MUSEUM

Hayti Heritage Center

HAYTI HERITAGE CENTER The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) is the first African American, Protestant congregation in existence. AMEC missionary and former slave Edian Markham came to Durham to create a branch in the south. The church began as four posts in the ground with branches and boards for a roof. Those who came to worship brought stools to sit on or sat on the ground to hear the sermons. As more pastors came and went and the congregation grew in numbers, the church took on many different forms and now stands as a grand, strong structure. Formerly known as St. Joseph Church, the Hayti Heritage Center is prosperous, and was built from the spirit, love and support of the AMEC community.

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FLORIDA A Somber Story Worth Exploring

W

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

hile the Civil Rights Movement may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Florida, there is plenty of racial inequality history to be discovered and learned in this southeasternmost U.S. state.

Florida was home to a number of pioneering activists, including Mary McLeod Bethune and James Weldon Johnson. Additionally, there are five Florida cities that are included in the U.S. Civil Rights Trail: Mims, Panama City, Sarasota, St. Augustine and Vero Beach.

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Dodgertown was the first fully integrated MLB spring training site in the South.

Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore facility

FLORIDA

JACKIE ROBINSON TRAINING COMPLEX In 1948, the year after Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, Dodgers co-owner and general manager Branch Rickey founded Dodgertown, a 220-acre development in Vero Beach. Here, all players, regardless of race, could play, eat and live together in preparation for the season.

Dodgertown was the first fully integrated MLB spring training site in the South. In 2014, Dodgertown was named a Florida Heritage Landmark for its importance in the civil rights movement. Now known as Jackie Robinson Training Complex, it’s an all-inclusive complex where teams can train and stay together.

Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore house

HARRY T. & HARRIETTE V. MOORE MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

NEWTON AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL While no strangers to racially segregated public spaces, African American residents of Newton in Sarasota let their displeasure to this injustice be known in 1951 with requests to access

New African American Heritage Trail sign Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Located in Mims, this community park honors the Moores, who were leaders in the civil rights movement both locally and nationally. The couple was murdered for their involvement in the movement when a bomb exploded under their home. Dedicated to the celebration of their lives, the park, on the site of the original Moore home, includes a museum, cultural center, library and a Civil Rights Trail, which includes kiosks providing historical information.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Lido Beach. When their request was ignored, they began “wade-ins.” The Newton African American Heritage Trail lets you trace the route these activists took when they carpooled to local beaches. The trail includes 15 historical markers commemorating Newton’s role in racial integration.

St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Monument

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICT In St. Augustine, it was in the neighborhood churches, businesses and parks where planning took place for important marches in protest of racial segregation. Supported by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as well as many prominent activists, including Marth Luther King Jr., Andrew Young and the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, the peaceful protests that followed garnered national attention. Explore the area along the Accord Freedom Trail with a selfguided audio tour that includes more than 31 historical civil rights markers, including the Plaza de la Constitucion, Foot Soldiers Monument and Andrew Young Crossing.

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KENTUCKY Rich Civil Rights

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rom the first integrated university and a museum dedicated to a celebrated athlete and humanitarian, Kentucky offers plenty of unique ways to explore the state’s contribution to the struggle for civil rights and pioneering efforts advocating for social justice and equality.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

History

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The Muhammad Ali Center is the only place in the world dedicated to preserving and promoting Ali’s legacy.

The SEEK Museum in Russellville

Muhammad Ali Center

spoke out against racial inequalities when a group of students and faculty joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the march from Selma to Montgomery. Several years later as Berea’s students continued to push and advocate on issues of racial justice and equality, they staged a 20-hour sit-in at the president’s office in Lincoln Hall. Experience Lincoln Hall’s rich history at this National Historic Landmark with a guided tour.

MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER

LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL

Located in downtown Louisville, the Muhammad Ali Center offers two-and-a-half levels of interactive multimedia exhibits and galleries celebrating the Louisville native. Like the man himself, the center offers a unique perspective, going beyond Ali’s world heavyweight titles to explore his global humanitarian contributions. The exhibits are focused on Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Additionally, the center provides programming and events focused on education, gender equity and global citizenship.

During the early 1960s, Louisville was the site of demonstrations and protests urging for social change in the segregated communities. Fourth Street was the main business area, filled with shops and restaurants, many of which treated Black customers differently, including not letting them sit at lunch counters or try on clothing. Activists initiated a voter registration campaign in 1961 that elected a new mayor and a new board of aldermen.

On May 1, 1963, the first public accommodations ordinance in Louisville, as well as in the South, was passed. While many of those businesses no longer exist, the Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Trail preserves the legacy of those who fought for

LINCOLN HALL (BEREA COLLEGE)

Lincoln Hall (Berea College) Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

The first interracial and coeducational college in the South, Berea College helped change the face of American education. Founded in 1855 by abolitionists specifically to educate Black and White students together, Berea College fought against the state legislature’s “Day Law,” which mandated segregation, but was unsuccessful.

It wasn’t until 1950 that Black students once again walked the campus. Built in 1887, Lincoln Hall, the second-oldest structure on campus, housed classrooms, laboratories, a museum and a library. In 1965, Berea College once again

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

KENTUCKY

Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Trail

change with the placement of 11 historical markers in the downtown area that tell the story of this significant movement.

SEEK MUSEUM Located in Russellville, the SEEK Museum (Struggles for Emancipation and Equality in Kentucky) focuses on telling the stories about slavery and the subsequent struggles for freedom. Seven historic buildings in two National Register Districts house the educational exhibits that encourage visitors to seek knowledge, truth and understanding of these important issues. Group and individual tours are available at the SEEK Museum at The Bibb House, which addresses the enslavement and emancipations at that site, as well as at the SEEK Museum in The Bottom, which addresses the resilience of the people who developed that neighborhood and fought for civil rights while facing legalized segregation and racial violence.

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ARKANSAS Lessons in the Journey T Against Racism

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

he state capital saw major civil rights battles unfold in the 1950s and ’60s.

Claiming Arkansas’ most important civil rights sites, Little Rock counts six locations on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, a collection of 140 places across 14 states. Sites are concentrated in the city’s downtown area.

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The sculpture Testament features life-size bronze statues of the Little Rock Nine and plaques bearing quotations from each of them.

Little Rock Central High School features an impressive blend of Art Deco and Gothic Revival styles.

ARKANSAS Located on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds, the sculpture Testament features life-size bronze statues of the Little Rock Nine and plaques bearing quotations from each of them. The nine are Ernest Green, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas and Carlotta Walls. Except for Thomas, all are still alive, and two live in Little Rock. Purposefully, the figures face the governor’s office window to serve as a constant reminder to whoever holds the office to do what is morally just.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

Little Rock Nine Memorial

Among the permanent exhibits are those chronicling President Clinton’s efforts to promote racial reconciliation and close widening economic and social gaps. Museum highlights include replicas of the White House’s Oval Office and Cabinet Room.

LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

ARKANSAS CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE TRAIL Starting at the Old State House Museum and extending eastward on Markham Street toward Daisy Bates House Museum

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

In September 1957, Little Rock Central High School commanded international attention when Governor Orval E. Faubus, an opponent of racial integration, ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine black students from attending the all-white school. President Eisenhower sent in federal troops to escort the students to class. Following a talk at the National Park Service visitors center, a ranger takes groups across the street to the school grounds and the restored gas station where reporters used the phone to call in their stories detailing the turmoil, including threats from angry white crowds. The brave students became known as the Little Rock Nine. The visitors center offers historic video clips of the confrontations and interviews with the nine trailblazers.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

LITTLE ROCK NINE MEMORIAL

William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum

the Clinton Library & Museum, the trail features an ever-growing collection of sidewalk markers and medallions that recognize Arkansans who worked to secure social justice. Honorees include sit-in participants and those involved in the Central High School desegregation crisis. One sign marks the site of a Midwest Trailways bus station where Freedom Riders from St. Louis were arrested upon their arrival on July 10, 1961. Freedom Riders were groups of White and Black civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the South to protest segregation on buses and in bus terminals.

DAISY BATES HOUSE MUSEUM The home of L.C. and Daisy Bates, civil rights activists and publishers of the local Black newspaper, served as the headquarters for the Little Rock Nine during the 1957 Central High School desegregation crisis. They had numerous objects hurled at their home, and several fiery crosses—an emblem of the white supremacist terror organization the Ku Klux Klan—burned on their lawn.

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ALABAMA Synonymous with Civil Rights

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Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

f all the states, few can compete with Alabama when it comes to historical landmarks, museums and events that shaped the civil rights movement in America. From Martin Luther King Jr.’s church and Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to the Selma from Montgomery march, this southeastern U.S. state offers plenty of opportunities to learn about and be inspired by those who had a powerful impact on our country and its history.

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Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2013, the Edmund Pettus Bridge represents a pivotal point in voting rights.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

ALABAMA

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2013, the Edmund Pettus Bridge represents a pivotal point in voting rights. On March 7, 1965, some 600 civil rights marchers were attacked by law enforcement officers during the first march for voting rights. Known as “Bloody Sunday,” the televised attacks prompted public support for the civil rights activists in Selma and for the voting rights campaign.

16th Street Baptist Church

BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE

ROSA PARKS MUSEUM

Part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, BCRI is a cultural and educational research center promoting a comprehensive understanding for the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham. At this multimedia facility, you’ll find exhibits from post-World War I racial segregation to present-day racial progress. Since its inception in 1992, the BCRI has put an emphasis on education of the civil rights movement that includes a special focus on helping teachers via an extensive curriculum guide and downloadable lesson plans.

Located at the site of Rosa Parks’ famous arrest, the museum is centered on Parks’ story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. Exhibits and various artifacts provide details about the people behind the boycott and the political and social climates of 1950s Montgomery. Visitors can hear the voices of the brave men and women who fought for freedom peacefully and effectively.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is the nation’s first memorial dedicated to

16TH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

Edmund Pettus Bridge Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Located in downtown Birmingham, this church was the first Black church in the city and served as headquarters for the civil rights mass meetings and rallies in the early 1960s. On Sept. 15, 1963, it would forever be known around the world when a bomb exploded killing four young girls and injuring more than 20 congregation members. This tragedy became a major turning point in the civil rights protest in Birmingham as well as a rallying cry for unity around the country. Hour-long tours explore the 16th Street Baptist Church’s history and stories.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

EDMUND PETTUS BRIDGE

National Memorial for Peace and Justice

the legacy of enslaved Black people, people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence.

Located in Montgomery, the six-acre memorial was conceived with the hope of creating a sober, meaningful site where people can gather and reflect on America’s history of racial inequality.

CIVIL RIGHTS DISTRICT Located in downtown Birmingham, where a number of significant events of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s occurred, the Civil Rights District includes a number of historical landmarks. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offers exhibits on segregation and the civil rights struggle, including ones on the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks for her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery bus and the U.S. Supreme Court’s bus desegregation ruling in 1956.

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WEST VIRGINIA The Site of a Powerful Uprising

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Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

ven before it was officially a state, West Virginia was the centerpiece of key events in African American heritage and the civil rights movement. From the 1859 raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry by John Brown, which fueled the Civil War, and a celebrated Black college that operated from 1865 to 1955 to Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” the state is rich in powerful stories of the fight for equality in the United States.

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The Memphis Tennessee Garrison House was the home of a leading figure in the advancement of African American civil rights.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

WEST VIRGINIA

Located at the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in Harpers Ferry, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park was initially planned as a memorial to John Brown, known for his 1859 raid and capture of the federal armory and subsequent failed abolitionist uprising.

Brown had hoped he would be able to arm the slaves and lead them against U.S. forces to overthrow slavery. The most important building remaining from the raid is the firehouse, now called John Brown’s Fort, where he resisted the Marines. Another point of interest here is Storer College, a small school started in 1865 with a straightforward mission to provide an education to formerly enslaved men and women. For 25 years, it was the only school in West Virginia where any person of color could get an education beyond the primary level.

Many of the former campus’ buildings are still within the national park today. At Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, visitors can take in the extraordinary landscape, walk the charming streets, discover exhibits, and explore hiking trails and historic sites.

Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House

ELIZABETH HARDEN GILMORE HOUSE

Harpers Ferry

Photo by Jessica Monte

From 1947 until her death in 1986, civil rights leader Elizabeth Harden Gilmore lived and worked in a two-and-a-half-story Classical Revival-style residence in Charleston. Gilmore co-founded Harden-Harden Funeral Home with her first husband and was the first African American woman licensed as a funeral director in West Virginia. She pioneered efforts and civil rights legislation to integrate her state’s schools, housing and public accommodations. In the early 1950s before the Brown v. Board of Education decision mandating school desegregation, Gilmore formed a women’s club which opened Charleston’s first integrated day care center. In 1958, Gilmore was among the first organizers of the Charleston chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). With CORE, Gilmore participated in several boycotts and sit-ins challenging racial discrimination.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Memphis Tennessee Garrison House

MEMPHIS TENNESSEE GARRISON HOUSE A modest, two-story home located in Huntington, the Memphis Tennessee Garrison House was the home of a leading figure in the advancement of African American civil rights, Memphis Tennessee Garrison. A teacher, political organizer and influential leader of the local branch of the NAACP, Garrison lived at this home from the 1950s until the 1980s. During those years, she opened her home to many in the community, hosting numerous meetings where leaders of the African American community came together to discuss their challenges and propose solutions.

Garrison was the first female of the West Virginia State Teachers Association and vice president of the American Teachers Association, an association of teachers working in segregated schools. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 2017.

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SOUTH CAROLINA A Variety of F Commemorative Sites

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

rom a church built by freed slaves to a school that educates people about earlier struggles, South Carolina is the birthplace of many influential organizations and institutions that were pivotal to the civil rights movement.

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The Penn School on Saint Helena Island was built for those who were formerly enslaved.

South Carolina State House located in downtown Columbia

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia ‘63 is a walking tour of downtown Columbia, where markers are placed to commemorate pivotal events that took place there during the civil rights movement. The project began in 2012, when mayors of seven cities banded together to create an impactful documentation of the struggles, triumphs and perseverance that had taken place before, during and after the height of the civil rights movement.

Springfield Baptist Church

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE Located in downtown Columbia, the South Carolina State House was built from 1855 to 1907.

It was here, in March 1961, that several hundred protesters gathered to make their opposition to segregation and unequal treatment of African Americans be heard. Many of the protestors had participated in Columbia’s sit-ins. Nearby a monument commemorates the history, and contributions and actions of South Carolina African Americans. Additionally, guided tours are available through Columbia SC 63, a historic preservation

SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH The oldest, active African American Baptist church in Greenville was founded in 1867 after once enslaved people broke off from a predominantly White church to create their own place of worship. It served as a hub for nonviolent civil rights protests and was a starting point for many marches, one of them beginning after Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in the MLB and guest speaker for a state-run NAACP convention, was denied access to an airport waiting area. Springfield Baptist Church continues to be a beacon for those who carry on the same spirit and want to honor its history.

The Penn School on Saint Helena Island was built for those who were formerly enslaved. Despite the many barriers that were placed on the school when it first opened it persisted and for 161 years continued to spread knowledge. The Penn School was the only place in South Carolina where interracial civil rights groups could gather and have safe sanctuary when mandated segregation was in effect.

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

PENN CENTER

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

COLUMBIA ’63

Modjeska House organization at the University of South Carolina, of the State House and along Main Street where the demonstrations took place.

EMANUEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH The oldest AME church in the southern U.S., Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church has seen more than its fair share of atrocities. Back in 1822, it was burned down by White oppressors who executed 35 men for their involvement in a slave revolt plot. More recently on June 17, 2015, a White supremacist massacred nine church members. In between, the church has played host to a number of notable African American leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Booker T. Washington and Rev. Wyatt T. Walker.

Today, the church continues its role as a social and spiritual stronghold in the community.

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MISSISSIPPI Many Opportunities to Explore the Civil Rights Movement

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Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

rom the home of civil rights activist Medgar Evers and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson to the Tallahatchie County Courthouse, the site of the trial of the two men accused of murdering Emmett Till, Mississippi offers many opportunities to learn about the history of the civil rights movement.

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Mississippi offers many opportunities to learn about the history of the civil rights movement.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

for all, including Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and Vernon Dahmer, as well as those who traveled long distances to stand beside them. Opened in December 2017, the museum features eight galleries with exhibits ranging from a timeline illustrating the history of Africans in Mississippi, slavery and the origins of the Jim Crow era to mug shots of every Freedom Rider arrested in Mississippi.

EMMETT TILL HISTORIC INTREPID CENTER

TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Established in August 2005 by Glendora Mayor Johnny B. Thomas, the Emmett Till Historic Intrepid Center, also known as ETHIC, houses educational information about past atrocities in the hopes of creating a brighter future. The first and only museum dedicated to Emmett Till tells the story of Till, an African American boy who was abducted, tortured and lynched in Mississippi in 1955 at the age of 14, after being accused of offending a White woman, Carolyn Bryant, in her family’s grocery store. The murder of Till became an emblem of the civil rights movement. The mission of ETHIC is to provide a penetrable, thought-provoking and educational experience to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Town of Glendora, Tallahatchie County and the state of Mississippi in the continued struggle against civil and human wrongs. Groups of 10 or more can book tours through their website.

In September 1955, the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner hosted the trial of J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant for the murder of Emmett Till. The trial was described by journalist David Halberstam as “the first great media event of the civil rights movement.” On the fifth and final day of the trial, the jury deliberated for only 67 minutes before voting to acquit both Milam and Bryant.

In 2007, the Emmett Till Memorial Commission offered a public apology to the Till family on behalf of the people of Tallahatchie County on the steps of the courthouse. This was the first such apology offered to the Till family from anyone in the state of Mississippi. The Tallahatchie County

Located in Jackson, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum gives students the opportunity to explore the intricate history of the civil rights movement and learn about the individuals that took the courageous steps towards equality

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

Tallahatchie County Courthouse

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Photo courtesy U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

MISSISSIPPI

Medgar Evers Home Museum

Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and has been preserved as a museum, with the interpretive center across the street helping to tell the story.

MEDGAR EVERS HOME MUSEUM Built in 1956, the Medgar Evers Home Museum was the home of African American civil rights activists Medgar and Myrlie Evers. The house stands in northern Jackson in an area that was developed as the first planned middle-class subdivision for African Americans in Mississippi after World War II. The house was purchased new by the Evers in 1956 and remained their home until 1963. The couple were both civil rights activists and had for some time been targets of racist violence. Medgar became the NAACP’s first full-time state field secretary in 1954, monitoring, collecting and publicizing data concerning civil rights violations. Despite threats to his life, he continued working toward equal rights for all. In June of 1963, his life was cut short when he was gunned down in his driveway.

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THE FUTURE OF GROUP TRAVEL STARTS HERE LEARN ABOUT:

• Trends for individual and group travel planning

• Addressing the current

status of the travel market

• A dvice on how to better market your business or destination

WANT TO HEAR MORE? Subscribe to our podcast and get new episodes as they become available where you listen to podcasts. Learn more at

LeisureGroupTravel.com/TravelingTribes

Having worked in the travel industry for nearly 33 years, host Jeff Gayduk continu ously researches and deve lops new ways to market group travel.

Traveling Tribes is a new podcast that features an ongoing series of guest interviews and insight into group travel from industry superheroes.